Stahlsac Steel Duffel Review
I use this as my go-to dive travel companion for carrying exposure gear, wet swimwear, and day-use items. It is sealed like a drybag using high-quality zippers, so the main compartment keeps contents dry even on wet boats or docks. I primarily carry it as a backpack, but it works well in all modes. I do not use the internal dry pocket often, but it is there if needed. After heavy use across flights, resorts, and boat dives, it is showing some corner wear but has not failed. I would buy it again without hesitation. It outperforms dry bags, laptop packs, and small suitcases in every way that matters.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10 (Exceptional)
Last updated: July 2025
I’ve put the Stahlsac Steel Duffel through regular use across dive travel, day boats, and overnight trips. It’s been my go-to bag for carrying exposure protection, wet swimwear, and any personal extras that fit on the boat. I also use it as a non-scuba overnight bag and as a reliable carry-on for air travel. It’s compact, rugged, and surprisingly versatile for something so simple.
I use it for a full wetsuit, booties, gloves, a towel, swimwear, and extra day-use items when space allows. For non-dive travel, it easily holds a change of clothes and toiletries for overnight stays. It also works well as a carry-on when I am not traveling with electronics.
The entire main compartment is sealed using drybag-style zippers, so it protects the inside from external moisture. I treat it like a reverse drybag: the interior is watertight from the outside. There is also a zippered top pouch that holds dry items separately if you are packing wet gear inside.
It has multiple carry modes: backpack straps, shoulder strap, and hand straps. I use all three depending on the trip, but prefer it as a backpack. Even when packed heavy, it rides comfortably and is easy to manage through airports or boat docks.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Drybag-style seal protects contents from water | Corner fabric showing wear from long-term use |
| Backpack straps make carrying easy and comfortable | No external bottle holder |
| Versatile for scuba, overnight, and carry-on use | No exterior quick-access pockets |
| Holds more than it looks like it should | Interior has no structure or framing |
| Reliable travel companion across boats and airports |
Why I Chose Stahlsac Steel Duffel
I wanted a duffel I could use in all environments: boats, planes, cars, and resorts. It needed to be large enough for exposure gear, soft enough to compress into tight storage spaces, and durable enough to survive real travel. After trying and dismissing dry bags, laptop packs, and small suitcases, I went with the Steel Duffel. It outperforms everything else in versatility and just works.
Verdict
This bag quietly became my favorite piece of non-scuba travel gear. It carries what I need, protects it from wet environments, and stays out of the way when not in use. I would change very little about it. The only missing feature is an external water bottle pocket. It would make a big difference on hot travel days or surface intervals. If it ever fails, I will replace it with the exact same model.
Would I buy it again? Yes. This is the most useful bag I own that is not part of my dive rig.
Who Stahlsac Steel Duffel Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who need a compact but protective day or backup bag
- Travelers who want one durable bag for wet and dry conditions
- Anyone who values backpack comfort in a duffel-sized format
It may not be ideal for:
- Those who need wheels for heavier gear transport
- Travelers who require structured compartments and padding
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Exceptional | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | Exceptional | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Strong | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Value | Exceptional | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Strong | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Total | 8.90 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 8.9 / 10 — Exceptional
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9: Protects gear from external moisture and carries comfortably in all conditions.
- Ease of Use – 9: Easy to pack, grab, sling, or stow. Zippers are smooth and reliable.
- Versatility – 10: Works as a dive bag, carry-on, overnight case, or personal item depending on how you pack it.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8: Solid materials and build, though corners are showing wear after frequent use.
- Value – 9: Not cheap, but worth every dollar based on how often I use it.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 8: Longtime gear brand with solid reputation and consistent product quality. No concerns in use, though not especially forward about support, sourcing, or sustainability practices.
Performance in the Water
- Boat Storage: Stows easily under benches or in gear bins without soaking contents
- Post-Dive Use: Zippers keep gear dry even in wet boat conditions or rain
- Transport Versatility: Transitions from boat to airport to hotel with no fuss
- Visual Wear: Corners and edges are showing honest wear but have not failed